Man freed after DA opts not to file charges in slaying

Release comes 2 days after arrest in 2011 homicide

STOCKTON - The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office has decided not to file homicide charges against a man who was arrested on suspicion of murder Wednesday, law enforcement officials said Friday.

STOCKTON - The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office has decided not to file homicide charges against a man who was arrested on suspicion of murder Wednesday, law enforcement officials said Friday.

Michael Vega, 20, was released from San Joaquin County Jail on Friday night, authorities said. Vega's release came just over 48 hours after authorities arrested him in connection with the death of 18-year-old Jorge Angulo, who was shot in the back while riding in a car in the 1500 block of South Stanislaus Street shortly before midnight Nov. 12, 2011.

Officers found a loaded handgun in the vehicle Angulo was riding in when he was shot, police said. At the time of the shooting, police said there may have been a mutual exchange of gunfire, but they would not comment on the case Friday.

Deputy District Attorney Robert Himelblau couldn't offer much, either, saying he didn't have enough information to explain why Vega was not charged.

"I can only tell you that we did not file a complaint," he said. "Depending on circumstances, we might not have any comment at all, because we usually don't explain why we don't file charges."

Vega, contacted Friday night as he left the jail, declined to comment.